Special Checks of Residences . . . Lighting Rebates
Spring Break 1997 (March 7-March 17, 1997) is approaching quickly. Traditionally, this is a time of lower occupancy and greater opportunity for crime. Therefore, we need to be more safety and security conscious.To reduce the opportunity for crime (i.e, criminal mischief, burglaries, etc.), the Division of Public Safety is again offering Special Checks of Residential Properties during the following time frame: 11 p.m. on Friday, March 7th to
7 a.m. on Monday, March 17th.
Faculty, staff and students who live within the following geographical boundaries-- Schuylkill River to 43rd Street, and Baltimore Avenue to Market
Street--may list their residences with the Penn Police Department for Special Checks during the period it will be vacant. Penn Police officers will
periodically check the exterior of the property for signs of criminal activity or security breaches, and if any are found they will take appropriate action
ranging from arresting the perpetrator to conducting an interior check of the property with subsequent notifications to the listed occupant.
If you would like to list your residence for Special Checks during Spring Break 1997, please pick up an application at the Penn Police Headquarters
(3914 Locust Walk) or the Special Services Unit (206 S. 40th Street). You need to complete and return the application to either location
prior to vacating the premise. Below you will find Safety and Security Tips to help keep your time away from Penn a safe and happy one.
-- Thomas Seamon, Managing Director, Division of Public Safety
-- Maureen S. Rush, Director of Patrol Operations
Safety and Security Tips for Spring Break 1997
If Leaving Penn for Spring Break,
- Secure or remove all valuables (e.g., jewelry, computers, stereos, televisions, etc.). All valuables should already be engraved with your Social
Security or other identifying number. Engravers can be borrowed by contacting the Special Services Unit (206 S. 40th Street, 898-4481).
- Close and lock all windows; Close all shades, drapes and blinds. Lock and bolt entrance doors to rooms or apartments.
- Use timers on lights and on a radio or television to give your residence the appearance of being occupied.
- Register your residence with Public Safety for Special Checks during the Break.
- Your answering device message should never indicate that you are not home. Always use plural nouns even if you live alone (e.g., "We're not
available to take your call right now"). Don't use your name(s).
- Make sure your exterior lighting works and turn all lights on. Preferably, exterior lights should be on a timer or photoelectric cell. If not, contact
your landlord with regards to installing these security devices
before you leave for Break.
Attention, those who live between these geographical boundaries:
33rd to 49th Streets,
Market to Woodland Avenue:
The Lighting Rebate Program through the West Philadelphia Partnership makes 50% reimbursement for the purchase and installation of new energy-efficient exterior lighting on residences. Call 38BRITE (382-7483) and leave your name /address on the tape to get detailed information about the program.
If Remaining at Penn During Spring Break,
- Use one of the ten automated teller machines (ATMs) located inside University buildings and avoid withdrawing money at night. Check the amount
withdrawn only after you are safely inside your office or residence. Never display money in a crowd. Carry only
necessary credit cards and money.
- Carry your wallet in an inside coat pocket or side trouser pocket.
- Carry your handbag tightly under your arm with the clasp toward your body. Never let it dangle by the handle.
- Keep your wallet or handbag closed and with you at all times. Never put it on the seat beside you, on the counter next to you or under a seat when dining.
- Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you; Trust your instincts.
Stay in well-lighted and well-travelled areas.
- Walk with your head up, shoulders back and your eyes scanning the people around you.
- Use the "buddy" system or the Penn Transit System when traveling at night. From non-University exchanges, dial 898-RIDE for vehicular escort service or 898-WALK for the walking escort service between the hours of 6 p.m. and 3 a.m. daily.
- If you are expecting guests or workers, do not open your door until you know it is the right person(s). Always ask to see identification of callers you don't know.
- If accosted, don't resist! Don't panic! Get a good description of the assailant (i.e., approximate age, race, sex, height, weight, clothing description,
direction traveled, etc.) and report the incident to the police as soon as possible.
- Know the locations of Penn's Blue Light Emergency phones. Open the box, lift the receiver or push the button to talk.
- Report any suspicious activities (e.g., someone looking into cars or pulling on doors; a vehicle that repeatedly "circles" the block, etc.) as soon as
you can: where, what, who, when and how.
- Know your emergency telephone numbers:
- --Division of Public Safety, Penn Police, 3914 Locust Walk
On Campus (Univ. exchanges: 898, 417 and 573): 511
Off Campus: 573-3333
Non-Emergencies 898-7297 / 7298
Special Services 898-4481 / 6600
Penn Investigators 898-4485
- -- Philadelphia Police,18th Police District, 5510 Pine Street
Emergency Telephone Number: 911
General Business Number: 686-3180
- -- SEPTA Police
Emergency Number: 580-4131
Almanac
Volume 43 Number 24
March 4, 1997
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